Josh Cremer 

Photo & Video, 

LLC

Operations Manual

UAV Operators Manual

Document Version 2

April 1, 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

UNMANNED OPERATORS CERTIFICATE FOR CASR PART 101

0 PREFACE......................................................................................................4

0.1 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT....................................................................4

0.2 COMPLIANCE MATRIX................................................................................4

0.3 SIGNATURE SHEET...................................................................................5

0.4 ABBREVIATIONS, ACCRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS......................................6

1 PART A

1.1. GENERAL

1.1.1. Company Operations.........................................................................7

1.1.2. CASR Part 101 Directions, Permissions and Approvals............................7

1.1.3. Organization Structure.......................................................................7

1.1.4. Responsibilities of Company Personnel...................................................7

1.1.5. Metric and Imperial Units Conversion Table...........................................9

1.1.6. Alcohol and Drug usage.....................................................................9

1.1.7. Security - Systems and Physical..........................................................9

1.1.8. Privacy Provisions.............................................................................9

1.2. REMOTE CREW ADMINISTRATION

1.2.1. Remote Crew Qualifications...............................................................10

1.2.2. Remote Pilot Records.......................................................................10

1.2.3. Remotely Piloted Aircraft Flight Authorizations and Flight Records..............10

1.2.4. Recency Requirements.....................................................................10

1.2.5. Duty and Flight Time Limitations..........................................................10

1.3. REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION

1.3.1. Method of Recording Hours in Service and Unserviceability......................11

1.3.2. Persons Permitted to Operate Remotely Piloted System Controls..............11

1.3.3. Authority for Maintenance..................................................................11

1.3.4. Dangerous Goods............................................................................11

1.3.5. Weather Protection............................................................................11

1.4. FLIGHT CONDUCT

1.4.1. Non-Company visitors.......................................................................12

1.4.2. Hand Over/Take over Procedures.......................................................12

1.4.3. Remote Pilot Briefing including Emergency Procedures...........................12

1.4.4. Use of Check Sheets........................................................................12

2 PART B

2.1 OPERATING THE REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

2.1.1 Specific Aircraft Operating Procedures...............................................13

2.1.2 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Technical Data/System Specifications.13

2.1.3 Normal Procedures.........................................................................13

2.1.4 Pre-Flight Procedures.....................................................................13

2.1.5 Fuel/Battery Documentation..............................................................14

2.1.6 Aircraft Test Flights.........................................................................14

3 PART C

4.1 OPERATIONS

4.1.1 Feasibility Check and Job Safety Assessment ....................................16

4.1.2 Accident/Incident Reporting.............................................................17

4.1.3 Types of Operations...................................................................... 18

4 APPENDICES

6.1 Copy of UAV Operators Certificate..................................................................20

6.2 Useful Conversions....................................................................................21

6.3 Flight Authorization....................................................................................22
6.4 Aircraft Flight Log and Maintenance Record.....................................................23

6.5 Briefing....................................................................................................25

6.6 Job Safety Assessment................................................................................26

6.7 Risk Assessment........................................................................................28
0 PREFACE

0.1 COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

The instructions, procedures and information contained in this manual have been devised

to ensure safety and standardization in the conduct of operations. They are to be observed

by all operating personnel. Personnel are also reminded of their obligation to comply with

14 CFR of the Federal Aviation Regulations and Orders and such directives, aeronautical 

information and notices.

Nothing in this manual takes precedence over a FAA regulation or permits unsafe operation

Where in the light of operating experience, errors are found in the manual or deficiencies in

the manner in which operations are conducted, recommendations for amendment action

shall be submitted to the Chief Controller.

0.2 SIGNATURE SHEET

• All personnel employed or contracted by this organization must sign this sheet as 

evidence of having read, understood and agreed to apply the procedures and data 

contained in this Operations Manual.

• If this manual is reissued or revised they must resign, acknowledging review of the

revision.

Printed

Name

Signature Date Printed

Name

Signature Date

0.4 ABBREVIATIONS, ACCRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS
AA Area Approval

AC Advisory Circular

AGL Above Ground Level

AIP Aeronautical Information Package 

ASIC Aviation Security Identification

Card ATSB Australian Transport Safety

Bureau ATC Air Traffic Control

ATM Air Traffic Management

CAR Civil Aviation Regulations 1988

CASA Civil Aviation Safety Authority

CASR Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998

DAMP Drug and Alcohol Management Plan 

IAW In accordance with

NM Nautical Miles

RP Remote Pilot

RPA Remotely Piloted Aircraft

RPAS Remotely Piloted Aircraft System

TSI Transport Safety Investigation Act 2013

UA Unmanned Aircraft

UAS Unmanned Aircraft System(s) 

UAV Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UOC 

UAV Operators Certificate 

VLOS Visual Line of Sight

VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions
1 PART A

1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 COMPANY OPERATIONS

All aerial operations using remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) will be conducted in accordance with 

(IAW) the conditions and limitations placed on the UAV Operators Certificate (UOC). A copy of 

the approved UOC is at Appendix One.

1.1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMPANY PERSONNEL

CEO/Director

The CEO/Director has the overall responsibility for the company’s business performance and 

compliance. They will provide the necessary resources so that all operations and maintenance

can be conducted to meet company obligations, goals and objectives.

Chief Controller

The Chief Controller is the person appointed by the operator, approved by CASA and is 

responsible for all remote pilot training and operational matters affecting the safety of the

UOC holder’s operation.

The role and responsibilities of the Chief Controller are:

a) ensuring that the operator’s air operations are conducted in compliance with

The Civil Aviation Act and the Regulations,

b) maintaining a record of qualifications held by each remote pilot

(RP), c) monitoring operational standards, supervising and training RP

employed by the operator,

d) maintaining a complete and up-to-date reference library of operational documents

as required by CASA for the class of operations conducted; and

e) being the point of contact between the operating company and CASA.

Maintenance Controller

The Maintenance Controller is the person appointed by the operator, approved by CASA and

is responsible for ensuring the maintenance of company Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems 

(RPAS) in accordance with the manufacturer specifications.

The role and responsibilities of the Maintenance Controller are:

a) control all company RPAS maintenance, either scheduled or unscheduled;

b) ensure personnel performing maintenance on the RPAS are competent. The 

Maintenance Controller must keep a record of personnel permitted to

perform maintenance.

c) develop, enforce and monitor RPAS maintenance

standards, d) maintain a record of RPAS unserviceability,

e) ensure that specialist equipment items are serviceable,
f) maintain a thorough technical knowledge of the company RPAS,

g) ensure maintenance activities are conducted in accordance with the

procedures specified in the Maintenance Manual; and

h) Investigate all defects in the RPAS.

Controller/Remote Pilot in Command

The controller/Remote Pilot in command of the aircraft is responsible for:

a) conduct of flight – start to end; 

and b) safe operation of the aircraft.

1.1.3 METRIC AND IMPERIAL UNITS

This manual makes reference to both imperial and metric units. See conversion table at

Appendix two.

1.1.4 DRUG AND ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT PLAN

As a ‘safety sensitive aviation activity,’ personnel could be randomly tested for alcohol and

other drugs.

1.1.5 SECURITY - SYSTEMS AND PHYSICAL

Reasonable steps must be taken to prevent sabotage and vandalism to the RPAS.

1.2. REMOTE CREW QUALIFICATIONS

The Chief Controller is responsible to ensure any remote crew including the controllers is

competent.

1.2.1 REMOTE PILOT RECORDS

Individual Controllers/Remote Pilots are responsible for their own Remotely Piloted Aircraft

(RPA) log book.

Individual remote pilots are required to carry their own Controller/Remote Pilot certificate with 

them on operations.

1.2.2 REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT FLIGHT AUTHORIZATIONS AND 

FLIGHT RECORDS

If there is more than one controller each operation is to be authorized by the Chief Controller. 

Flight authorization is at Appendix three.

1.2.3 RECENCY REQUIREMENTS

The Controller/Remote Pilot must have a minimum of three take offs and three landings on type 

within a 90-day period.

1.2.4 DUTY AND FLIGHT TIME LIMITATIONS
The Chief Controller is responsible for the operational standards and supervision of the remote 

pilots who are employed by the company.

RPs are responsible to ensure they do not fly while fatigued.

1.3 REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION

1.3.1 METHOD OF RECORDING HOURS IN SERVICE AND 

UNSERVICEABILITY

The UAV Operators Certificate (UOC) holder is responsible to ensure records are kept. The 

controller is responsible for ensuring hours and unserviceability are recorded, refer to Appendix 

four.

1.3.2 AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE

Only people authorized by the Maintenance Controller can perform maintenance. The 

Maintenance Controller is responsible for keeping records of personnel that may perform 

maintenance.

1.3.3 DANGEROUS GOODS

The carriage of dangerous goods is not permitted.

Parts of the RPAS may be classified as dangerous goods during transportation.

1.3.4 WEATHER PROTECTION

The UOC holder is responsible to ensure appropriate weather protection is provided to avoid 

unserviceability of the RPAS.

1.4 FLIGHT CONDUCT

1.4.1 NON-COMPANY VISITORS

Non-company visitors must not come within 100 feet of the RPA during operation. The

Controller/Remote Pilot must provide a safety briefing.

1.4.2 HAND OVER/TAKE OVER PROCEDURES

A hand over take over procedure is required, when there are two controllers, to

positively identify an action and ensure the participants understand it.

1.4.3 REMOTE PILOT BRIEFING INCLUDING EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

To ensure co-ordination in a multi crew environment a briefing must be conducted prior to

the commencement of any operation. Refer to Appendix five.

1.4.4 USE OF CHECK SHEETS

Company supplied checklists must be used.
2 PART B

2.1 OPERATING THE REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

2.1.1 SPECIFIC AIRCRAFT OPERATING PROCEDURES

The aircraft will be operated in accordance with the manufacturers operating instructions, 

which are considered to be part of the Flight Manual. Company initiated variation to the Flight 

Manual will require supplementary documentation.

2.1.2 NORMAL PROCEDURES

It is considered a good safety practice for operators to utilize check lists/sheets specific to their

RPA referring to the Flight Manual. Company supplied checklists must to be used.

2.1.3 PRE-FLIGHT PROCEDURES

Pre-flight and post flight checks are mandated. It is the Controller/Remote Pilot’s responsibility

to ensure the aircraft is airworthy prior to any flight. Refer to Flight Manual for pre and post 

flight procedure checklist.

2.1.4 FUEL/BATTERY DOCUMENTATION

Manufacturer’s instructions for correct fuel specification and/or follow manufacturers’ battery 

documentation especially relating to charge/discharge rates must be followed.

Battery conditions are to be monitored.

2.1.5 AIRCRAFT TEST FLIGHTS

When completion of maintenance requires a test flight, the person completing the maintenance 

is responsible to ensure a satisfactory test flight is completed. The Maintenance Controller is 

responsible to ensure this happens.
3 PART D

3.1 OPERATIONS

3.1.1 FEASIBILITY CHECK AND JOB SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Before a task can be carried out a feasibility check must be performed to ensure it is within the scope of the UOC. The flow chart represents the process to

be followed to determine if a task may proceed.

A numbered box indicates there are steps to consider. The corresponding steps are listed below. A red box indicates the task cannot proceed.
1. Is it legal :

• Within all conditions listed in the schedule for the UOC

• Under 500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)

• Outside Controlled airspace/restricted airspace

• Greater than 3 Nautical Miles (NM) from a registered aerodrome

• Outside populous area

• More than 30 meters from people not involved in operation

• Visual line of sight (VLOS)

• Day Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)

• Not prohibited by any other State or Federal Regulation

2. Perform a Job Safety Assessment

A Job Safety Assessment must be performed prior to conducting any task.

Note – A single task may consist of a number of flights

The Job Safety Assessment would normally be performed during the feasibility planning phase to determine if the flight is viable and validated on the day

prior to the first flight. This is when assumptions made during the initial Job Safety Assessment (such as forecast weather/wind, location of persons etc.) 

are validated.

As a minimum the Job Safety Assessment must consider the following:

• Gathering the necessary maps and charts (either hard copy or electronic) for the area

• Determining the weather is suitable for the machine and the operation

• Reviewing the NOTAMs related to the operations area

• Possibility of person moving into the area of operation or landing area during flight

• Footpath, or other rights of way

• Suitable takeoff and landing areas (including alternate landing area)

• Ability to maintain 30m separation from the public

• Obstructions (Buildings Trees etc.)

• Possible radio interference (power lines, antennas etc.)

• Ability to maintain visual line of sight

• Controllers ability matches location/task

• Permission from land owner

• Privacy

• Local restrictions, by laws,

• Need for signage

3. Would an Area Approval make it legal?

Inside controlled airspace however, outside 3NM of an aerodrome and not within the approach and departure path for a runway of an aerodrome.
4. Is it safe?

Complete the Risk Assessment Matrix at Appendix seven. Note - this will form part of an Area

Approval application

5. Apply for Area Approval:

Proceed:

Validate the Job Safety Assessment if performed earlier. Commence job in accordance with the

UOC approval.

3.1.2 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING

Accidents and serious incidents are required to be immediately reported to proper authorities.

Written notifications are required to be submitted within 72 hours of an accident, serious

incident or incident The written notification should contain as much information about the accident, serious incident or incident as is within the knowledge of

the person at the time of submitting the notification.

3.1.3 TYPES OF OPERATIONS

All operations must be carried out within the limitations and conditions in the schedule of the

UOC

The Controller must not cause anything to be dropped or discharged from an unmanned aircraft in any way that may create a hazard to another aircraft,

person or property.

Tick as appropriate.

These operations may be subject to other State and Federal laws and must be complied with.

☐ AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

☐ AERIAL SPOTTING

☐ AERIAL SURVEYING
4.1 APPENDIX 1

COPY OF UAV OPERATORS CERTIFICATE
4.2 APPENDIX 2

Single Unit Conversion Useful conversion

Distance

1 centimeters 0.3937 inch

1 inch 2.54 centimeter

1 Foot 30.5 centimeter 400 Feet 121.92

1 meter 39.37 inch

1 meter 3.28084 feet

1 Kilometer 0.62137 Miles

1 Kilometer 3280.8399 Feet

1 mile 1.61 kilometers

1 nautical 

mile

1.85 kilometers 3 nautical 

mile

5.556

Kilometers

1 nautical 

mile

6080 Feet

Speed

1 kilometer per

hour

.4971 Miles per hour

1 kilometer per

hour

0.27777 meter per

second

1 mile per hour 

(mph)

1.609 kilometers per

hour

1Metre per

Second

3.6 Kilometers per

hour

1Metre per

Second

1.9438 Knots

I Knot 0.514 Meter per

Second

1 knot 1.150779448 miles

per hour

Weight

1 kilogram 2.2 pounds 100 

kilogram

220.462 pounds

150 

kilogram

330.693 pounds

1 pound 0.45359273

Kilogram
1 ounce 28

.34952312 

grams(g)
4.3 APPENDIX 3

FLIGHT AUTHORIZATION SHEET

Date: Location: Task: Aircraft:

Remote crew: Time Hours

PIC Launch Flight Notes:

2RP Recovery

RPA observer

Launch

Recovery

Launch

Recovery Job Site Assessment:

Est. Total 

hours

Actual 

Total 

hours

Specific instructions:

Flight

Authorization

Chief

Controller

Signed:

Remote

Pilot

Signed:
Date Pilot Daily 

inspection

Post flight 

inspection

Flight 

or

daily 

total

Serviceable

Y/N

Defect 

number

Comment Total

4.4 APPENDIX 4

AIRCRAFT FLIGHT LOG AND MAINTENANCE RECORD

Aircraft Type_

Aircraft Serial Number

Date of Manufacturer

Aircraft identification Operator
Defect

Number

Description of defect or maintenance required Name

Signature

Date

Rectification Name

Signature

Date

Defect

Number

Description of defect or maintenance required Name 

Signature 

Date

Rectification Name 

Signature 

Date

Defect

Number

Description of defect or maintenance required Name

Signature

Date

Rectification Name

Signature

Date
4.5 APPENDIX 5

Briefing

The following briefing is to be given by the controller to all crewmembers and observers. 

The controller is also responsible to ensure the emergency contact telephone numbers are 

to hand.

Action



Overview of the mission as planned

Any specific tasking for crewmember. EG. person tasked with observing for people 

straying into the area of operation

Possible issues and identification of hazards associated with the mission including

planned action

How the controller will communicate any problem and/or subsequent action

Identification of alternate landing area

Identification of a safe zone

Action following an incident

Notes/comments specific to mission

Emergency contact numbers

Any additional requirements for this operation must be added
4.6 APPENDIX 6

JOB SAFETY ASSESSMENT

Company Date

Task Location Check the following and address as needed

Sketch of area (if necessary) Maps and charts available and checked

Weather, within limits for machine and 

operation

NOTAMs

Possibility of public moving into area

Footpath/right of way

Landing area including alternate

Ability to maintain 30M of public

Obstructions (buildings Trees)

Possible interference (Power lines/antennas)

Ability to maintain visual line of sight

Controllers ability matches location/task

Permission of any landowners

Privacy

Local restrictions, by laws

Need for signage

Pilot Signature

Crew

Comments-
4.7 APPENDIX SEVEN

RISK ASSESSMENT

Overview

The evaluation of risk is the process known as “Risk Assessment”. 

The UAS Controller should perform this assessment.

The Risk Assessment should be performed during the feasibility-planning phase to 

determine if the flight is viable, refer Part D Section 1. It should then be validated on the day 

prior to the flight. Any assumptions made during the initial Risk Assessment (such as 

forecast weather/wind, location of persons etc.) should be confirmed.

The Risk Assessment involves calculating a risk factor based on both the severity of any 

undesired outcome and the likelihood of that outcome. Where the risk factor is unacceptably 

high a mitigating factor or control measure is needed to reduce the likelihood or 

consequence to manage the risk back to an acceptable level/factor. Even if the risk is 

acceptable you should consider any factor that could be applied to reduce the risk further.

Determining the Risk

A detailed diagram of the site (Google maps may also be used) and the Risk Assessment 

Tool Prompt Sheet are used to identify possible risks. These risks are recorded on the Risk 

Calculation Sheet.

Next the score for both the likelihood and consequence is determined using the Risk Score 

Table below and the scores are entered on the Risk Calculation Sheet. The Risk factor is 

then calculated by multiplying these two scores.

Note - other elements such as local by Laws etc. which may prevent the flight should also be 

considered.

Risk Management

The calculated Risk Factor for each identified risk is then reviewed

Where the risk factor is unacceptably high a mitigating factor or control measure is needed 

to reduce the likelihood or consequence to manage the risk to an acceptable level/factor. 

Multiple control measures may be needed to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. Even if 

the risk is acceptable you should consider any factor that could be applied to reduce the risk 

further.

The control measure is recorded on the Risk Calculation Sheet and a new Risk Factor 

calculated.

Note – The risk assessment should also include any risk to the Controller, Observer and 

anyone else involved in the operation of the UAS.

Where the residual risk is unacceptable the flight should not proceed.

Validation of Risk Assessment

Once “on site” the Risk Assessment must be validated prior to the flight proceeding. Any 

assumptions made during the initial Risk Assessment (such as forecast weather/wind, 
location of persons etc.) should be confirmed. Where there are differences a new Risk factor 

must be calculated and control measures adjusted to manage the risk to an acceptable level 

prior to the flight.

Other Factors

As this is a generic Risk Assessment process it cannot consider all possible areas of risk for 

every situation. There may be other areas that need consideration in addition to the Risk 

Assessment Sheet prompts. Therefore this risk assessment process should be considered a 

guide as to the minimum areas for inclusion in your Risk Assessment.
Consequence

s

People

Injuries or ailments 

not requiring 

medical treatment.

Minor injury or First

Aid Treatment Case.

Serious injury causing 

hospitalization or 

multiple medical 

treatment cases.

Life threatening injury or 

multiple serious injuries 

causing hospitalization.

Multiple life threatening 

injuries. Less than 10 

fatalities.

Multiple fatalities, 10 

or more

Reputation

Internal Review Scrutiny required by 

internal committees 

or internal audit to 

prevent escalation.

Scrutiny required by 

external committees or 

Auditor General’s 

Office, etc.

Intense public, political 

and media scrutiny. Eg: 

inquest, front page 

headlines, TV, etc.

Government inquiry or 

Commission of inquiry or 

adverse national media in 

excess of 1 week.

Government inquiry 

and ongoing adverse 

international exposure

Organizational / 

Client impact

Small delay, internal 

inconvenience only.

May threaten an 

element of the service 

delivery function. 

Business objective 

delayed. Easily 

remedied, some impact 

on external 

stakeholders.

Considerable remedial 

action required with 

disruption to a Group 

for period up to 1 

month. Some business 

objectives not

achieved.

Significant loss of 

critical information. 

Disruption to one or 

more Groups for up to 3 

months. Some major 

objectives not achieved.

Permanent loss of critical 

information, substantial 

disruption to CASA or 

external intervention for 

over 3 months. Threatens 

existence of a Group 

within CASA. Major 

objectives not achieved

Threatens ongoing 

existence of CASA.

Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Severe Catastrophic

0 1 2 3 4 5

Almost Certain (5) 5 6 7 8 9 10

Likely (4) 4 5 6 7 8 9

Possible (3) 3 4 5 6 7 8

Unlikely (2) 2 3 4 5 6 7

Rare (1) 1 2 3 4 5 6

Extremely

Rare

(0) 0 1 2 3 4 5

RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX - LEVEL OF RISK

>7: Extreme risk

– detailed treatment plan required

6,7: High risk

– needs senior management attention 

and treatment plan as appropriate

4,5: Medium risk

– manager level attention and 

monitoring as appropriate

<4: Low risk

Numerical Historical

P

r

o

b

a

bilit

>1 in 10

Is expected to occur in most 

circumstances

1 in 10 – 100

Will probably occur

1 in 100 –

1000

Might occur at some time in 

the future

1 in 1000 –

10000

Could occur but considered 

unlikely or doubtful

1 in 10000 -

100000

May occur in exceptional 

circumstances

< 1 in

100000

Could only occur under 

specific conditions and 

extraordinary circumstances
RISK CALCULATION SHEET

Undesired Outcome Severity Likelihood Risk

Factor

Control Measure or comment on risk

#

Control Measure or comment on risk Final Final Final

#

Control Measure or comment on risk Final Final Final
Risk Assessment Tool Prompt Sheet

Consideration Possible Impact on Risk

Time of Day Possible Low Sun, fading light, orientation, 

ability to maintain visual LOS

Weather Check Forecast, Temperature, wind 

direction, wind strength, impact on battery

life (cold battery, flying into wind), aircraft 

wind limit, Fire ban,

Public Person moving into landing area during 

flight, footpath, right of way, Suitable takeoff and landing areas, ability to maintain

30m separation,

Property Permission from land owner, privacy,

buildings, antennas, trees, obstructions, 

ability to maintain visual line of sight, 

controllers ability matches location, local 

restrictions, by laws,

Other aircraft Likelihood of other aircraft in area

Equipment failure Likely failure modes, alternate landing site,

emergency procedures, Battery fire 

following crash (dry grass),

Environment Noise, ability to communicate with 

participants, distractions, possible 

distraction of public (drivers)